Destination · Mediterranean coast
Latakia & the Coast
Clear water, rocky coves and some of the oldest history on the Mediterranean.
Region
Northern Syrian coast
Best time
May–October
Time needed
2–3 days
From Damascus
About 4 hours by road
Why go
Where sea meets mountains.
North of Latakia, the coast turns wild: pine forests meet the sea at Ras al-Bassit and quiet coves along the way.
Inland lie Ugarit, where one of the world’s first alphabets was found, and the Citadel of Salah al-Din, a castle on a ridge between two gorges.
Highlights
- Swimming at Ras al-Bassit
- Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
- The Citadel of Salah al-Din
- Seafood in Latakia
- Sunsets over the Mediterranean
Gallery
Seen on our journeys
When to go
Best from late spring to autumn.
Spring · Apr–May
Green hills, sea still cool.
Summer · Jun–Aug
Beach season, busy and warm.
Autumn · Sep–Oct
Warm sea and fewer people. Our favourite.
Winter · Nov–Mar
Rainy and green, good for history, not beaches.
Getting there
We drive from Damascus or via Homs and Tartus by private car.
Good to know
- Bring swimwear and reef shoes
- Summer weekends are busy
- Combine beach days with the mountains
- Book coastal stays early in summer
Combine with
The coastal mountains, or Tartus and Arwad to the south.
Travel with Juzoor
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Swims, walks, food and history. Tell us how you like to travel.
